The 10 Best Things to Do in Gran Canaria, Spain

Welcoming, tolerant Gran Canaria offers a little something for everyone. Families flock to the water parks and beaches of Puerto Rico. Those seeking peaceful escape scamper to Mogan's quiet fishing villages. Gay visitors crowd the bars, restaurants and beaches of Playa del Ingles. Urban attractions are on offer in Las Palmas. Three highways open up the island for those with a rental car or a bus schedule. Prime sites to visit include Iglesia de San Juan Bautista de Arucas and Palmalitos zoo park.
Restaurants in Gran Canaria

1. Pico de las Nieves

Overall Ratings

There are many routes up to this Pico. Most people visit by car so it is busy at the top. Most stay only a few minutes.I walked up from Roque Nublo along a delightful high level trail that was largely shaded by trees, included a short scrambling section and featured a very pleasant cool breeze. Of course I can’t promise you that on the day that you visit!Great views of Fuertaventura, Tenerife and La Gomera, (I can’t promise you those either). I can recommend that you check the weather forecast.

2. Roque Nublo

Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Reviewed By Phil G

A great view across the SW of the island awaits from this summit which is readily accessible to those who are reasonably fit and have sturdy foot ware. Fairly easy to follow the path from the car park although if you’re taking kids watch their step as there are some steep unguarded drops. Parking can get busy so perhaps go towards the end of the day and see the sunset ? An easy day trip from anywhere on the island and the drive in itself is worth the trip itself.

Overall Ratings

Pleasingly clean despite its city location, if you do not feel uncomfortable to sunbathe close to others and have close to restaurants, cafes, and more this is a nice alternative for the sun worshiper.A paradise for charter tourists, lined with relatively ugly buildings without major architectural beauty.

Overall Ratings

Lovely place to walk or just laying on the beach.Dog friendly place.Sometimes, especially in the afternoon can be very windy.You can walk to Maspalomas ( around 1 hour) and make there a camel trip:)The weather in March was unbelievable!We didn’t except 27 degrees!We highly recommend this lovely place.

Overall Ratings

we didn't get the best of this area but I think that was as we went during the day . It consists of a number of narrow streets with numerous shops / bars and restaurants . Which I think would have a much better vibe at night . Las palmas is a busy working port town which also caters for cruise ships visiting gran canaria so there is a real mix . This area has the museums / Cathedral etc which are nice without being outstanding ..

6. Roque Bentayga

Overall Ratings

There is a lovely walk from the car park by the little museum (which was closed when we visited) up to the foot of this towering rock, where there are archaeological remains. Views are stunning and extensive. Lots of photo opportunities. Much less touristy than around Roque Nublo.

7. Maipes de Agaete

Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 134 reviews

Maipés Archaeological Park is located in the village of Agaete in the north west of Gran Canaria. Maipés is a volcanic lava plain in which a burial ground used by the ancient inhabitants of the island is preserved. There are almost 700 tombs, some of which were constructed over 1.300 years ago.

Maipes Archaeological Park has been deemed a Cultural Heritage Site, not only for the ancient burial grounds here but for the geology, plant and animal life on this volcanic lava plain. There have been almost 700 cadaver containing tombs discovered here. The burial mounds above the tombs reach up to 8m wide and 3m high. Much work has been done on the site and it shows with the various exhibits which have all been well described in various languages. On site there is an Interpretation Centre with more models. The various grades of paths have been adapted for the disabled. Certainly is an amazing place...

Overall Ratings

Three main swimming pools sheltered from the open ocean have been created naturally amongst the volcanic material strewn on this island and linked by tubes of rock. There are some battlement-like short protective columns on one side and places to sunbathe on the other side, but it is still rough rock you are walking on so you have to be careful. Water in December was very cold, but invigorating. Easy walk to these pools from town. Past Las Salinas you can venture up alongside cliff side homes. There were no toilet facilities at the location.

Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Reviewed By Natasha S

If your visiting Gran Canaria, you really need to make sure you visit! This was one of the most memorable parts of our trip - such amazing views and an unique experience that you won't forget. It is though, a very tiring walk up and down the sand dunes, so prepare for the long walking and muscle strength needed to get up and down the steeper areas! You can walk where ever you like, but to see the best views you need to be at the top of the sand dunes!It can also get quite windy - you'll find your clothes full of sand at the end of the trip, but everything is so worth it. You'll need an hour least to visit here and take in all the sights.I would advise to be careful and abrupt when walking to the beach - there are quite a few foreign 'sales' people who seem a little dodgy, and try taking money off you for making you a bracelet which they basically force and tie onto your arm - we fell for this and they were demaning 5 euros for a piece of thread.Also, beware that this is a nude beach!

10. Playa de Mogan

Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Reviewed By sjbounds80 - Ludlow, United Kingdom

Having been before in 2012 we decided to hop on a 25 min bus ride form Melonares to Mogan for a re visit! Plenty of things to see and do! We walked along the beach front and the harbour. It’s stunning with a nice balance of shops and restaurants. Well worth taking towels and having a few hours on the beach, market days are good on a Friday